Workers strike at Glencore Xstrata chrome mines in South Africa

Workers are on strike at three South African chromes mines owned by Glencore Xstrata Plc (LSE: GLEN), the fourth largest miner in the world.

Job action started with 200 workers Tuesday at the Helena mine and then spread to the Mgareng and Thorncliffe mines, reports Bloomberg.

The company said the strike began after a member of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union said a shift supervisor had assaulted him. The 200 workers who have not responded to the return to work calls have been fired and have three days to appeal.

Glencore Xstrata also said the strike is affecting production but it does not know by how much yet.